The President's Pulse is the monthly update from NALA's Board President. In the December 2025 edition, Cheryl Nodarse, ACP, wishes everyone Happy Holidays and shares an exciting 50% discount on select NALA on-demand webinars, available through December 31, 2025. Click below to watch.

How do you close out the year with confidence?

As deadlines stack up and the calendar winds down, we want to know what helps you finish the year on a high note. Whether it is wrapping up long-term projects, organizing your workspace, prioritizing self-care, or celebrating wins, share your strategy for finishing strong on NALA Commons by December 31st for a chance to be featured in January’s newsletter.

November’s question was, “What helps you feel connected this season?” The featured answer comes from Nancy Jordahl, ACP:

“I think the best way that I build community this time of year is by attending Holiday parties hosted by different paralegal associations.”

December’s Volunteer Spotlight features Stephen Frisby, a member of the NALA Certifying Board. Stephen is an associate professor of law at Faulkner University’s Thomas Goode Jones School of Law. Can you fill in the blank below? Check out his spotlight here to see if you are right.

Before he began teaching, Stephen spent almost ___ years practicing law.

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As the year winds down, now is the perfect time to reflect on your professional growth and set yourself up for even greater success in the year ahead. Whether you are closing out projects, planning your goals, or simply catching your breath, NALA offers a variety of ways to finish the year strong.

• Review your membership status. 🔄️ If your NALA membership expires in the next three months, renewing now ensures you continue enjoying exclusive benefits without interruption. If you maintain continuous membership for 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25 years, you can request a complimentary pin. After 25 years of dedicated membership, you earn lifetime honorary status and, in appreciation of your long-standing support of NALA, no longer pay dues.
• Focus on earning CLE credits. ⚖️ Take advantage of complimentary webinars for members. With this month’s session on “ICWA in Practice: Navigating Child Custody, Foster Care, and Adoption,” you can earn 1.5 hours of substantive CLE. Enjoy 50% off retiring 2020 and 2021 on-demand webinars and bundles before they leave the catalog on December 31. Click here for a complete list.
• Prioritize career advancement. ↗️ Consider beginning your journey toward becoming a Certified Paralegal (CP^®) or expanding your expertise with an Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP^®) credential, such as the NEW Trial Practice offering. Both pathways can highlight your skills and strengthen your professional standing. The 2024 Utilization & Compensation Report is a great resource for growth. Explore your complimentary member copy for valuable insights to inform your career trajectory.
• Build community. 🤝 With NALA Commons, get plugged into a nationwide network of legal professionals to share and collaborate. Joining one of NALA’s Affiliated Associations (AA) connects you with local paralegals who share your passion for the profession. As a bonus, if you are a member of an AA, you receive a discount on your NALA membership.
• Make a difference. 🎯 You can take your involvement further by volunteering with your AA or NALA. If you are interested in leadership at the national level, you have until March 15, 2026, to declare your candidacy for the NALA Board of Directors.

No matter what path you choose, NALA is here to help you end the year with intention and step confidently into 2026.

As a year-end gift to our members, NALA is offering a complimentary webinar worth 1.5 substantive CLE hours: “ICWA in Practice: Navigating Child Custody, Foster Care, and Adoption.” Join us for an overview of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), including key legal requirements, placement preferences, and recent updates to help family law paralegals ensure compliance.

LIVE: December 16 at 2 p.m. CT - Register

ON-DEMAND: Available by December 17 - Register

Final days to save!⌛NALA’s 2020 and 2021 on-demand webinars and bundles are 50% off through December 31—and then they are gone for good. Enjoy one full year of access after your purchase. NALA members get the lowest price. Use code 50OFF2020 to lock in your savings. Click here to view a list of eligible sessions. Get the education you need at a price you love!

Your insights help NALA grow and evolve! The Annual Member Experience Survey is open through December 22 at 5 p.m. CT. This is your opportunity to let us know what you think about your membership so we can make valuable changes for the future. The survey link was sent to your email on file on December 1. Please take a few minutes to complete it by December 22. Thank you for your feedback and support as we strengthen our community and enhance the value of NALA membership.

Looking for the perfect present for the paralegal in your life? Get them gifts that keep on giving with these favorites that will delight them all year long:

❤️ Zip Jackets – Keep them warm and stylish with ladies’ or unisex options for the on-the-go paralegal. ($50+shipping)

💚 “#1 Paralegal Legal Superhero” Ornament – Celebrate your favorite paralegal, or your whole team, with a keepsake they can display year-round. ($20)

❤️ “All Rise” Coffee Mug – Make every coffee break a courtroom moment for the ones whose cup is always full. ($15+shipping)

💚 Bamboo Coaster Set – Decorate their desk with this eco-friendly collection of five coasters with a holder. ($10+shipping) Bundle the mug and coasters for the best price. ($20+shipping)

❤️ Sweatshirts – Treat them with these cozy staples that are ideal for chilly commutes and cubicles, available in Army green and royal blue. ($30+shipping)

💚 $5 T-Shirts – Surprise them with a comfy tee–or three–that makes a big statement without a big price tag. ($5+shipping, Style 1, Style 2, Style 3)

Give gifts that celebrate the profession while adding comfort and fun to their everyday life. 🎁 Start shopping today!

The holiday rush can make an already demanding profession feel even heavier, so here are a few quick strategies to help you stay grounded:

✅ Prioritize with purpose. Identify your top 2–3 must-do tasks each day to keep momentum without feeling overwhelmed.

⛔ Protect your focus. Block short, dedicated work intervals and silence non-urgent notifications during those periods.

⏸️ Pause to reset. Take brief movement or breathing breaks between tasks to reduce stress and maintain clarity.

A little intention goes a long way. Small habits can help you stay steady and finish the year strong.

New Trial Practice ACP^® Course Available Now

We are excited to announce that we have released a NEW course in our Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP^®) Program. The Trial Practice course outlines how cases move through the legal system, explains key courtroom roles and rules, and covers essential trial-prep technology to equip paralegals to navigate modern trial practice. This fully online, interactive self-study course offers a blend of text and immersive scenarios to assist you in preparation for the comprehensive final exam. Members save $50 on course registration. The distinguished ACP^® credential is only available to current NALA Certified Paralegals. However, anyone may take this course to expand their knowledge and earn 20 CLE credits. Explore the new Trial Practice course here.

This space is dedicated to celebrating our members’ achievements! Share your news or highlight a fellow member using our form. Submissions are due by the first of the month and are limited to the past six months.

Freedom of speech is one of the most fundamental rights protected by the First Amendment, but it is also one of the most challenged. Explore how courts have defined the boundaries of protected expression, from early “clear and present danger” standards to the modern Brandenburg test. Examine how these principles apply to current debates involving public figures, media access, and national security. By reviewing both historical precedents and recent events, you can enhance your understanding of when speech may be legally restricted and why these constitutional protections remain essential to a free and informed society. Click here to read the article.

Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a growing focus for lawmakers. In July, the US Senate voted to remove a proposed 10-year ban on state AI regulation, clearing the way for states to craft their own rules. Meanwhile, the White House’s America’s AI Action Plan outlines a national framework for innovation, safety, and accountability.

For legal professionals, these developments mean AI governance is becoming part of everyday compliance. Understanding the evolving legal landscape around AI will be essential heading into 2026.

Watch For: New state laws, federal proposals, and updates to ethical and professional standards surrounding AI use in law.

Read: Unfolding Legal Tensions in AI Regulation, written by Kristina Schiraldi, MBA, ACP, FRP, in the Q4 2025 (November) issue of Facts & Findings.

Click the image above for more information.

Disclaimer: The NALA CP^® Exam creators do not develop or deliver any CP^® Exam study materials. Producers of study materials do not have access to actual CP^® Exam content. Use of any suggested study materials does not guarantee success on the CP^® Exam.

NALA proudly promotes the Certified Paralegal (CP^®) Exam review groups and programs that our affiliates offer nationwide. Several NALA Affiliated Associations host test preparation sessions throughout the year, and many are open to nonmembers. To review a current list of available programs, click here.

DISCLAIMER: The NALA CP^® Exam creators do not develop or deliver any CP^® Exam study materials. Producers of study materials do not have access to actual CP^® Exam content. Use of any suggested study materials does not guarantee success on the CP^® Exam.

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